Agaricus bisporus (family Agaricaceae) is the most cultivated and consumed mushroom all over the world for more than three centuries.

It is a potential source of many essential nutrients, therapeutic bioactive or antioxidative compounds, delicious taste and confirmed beneficial influence on human health.

Based on the color of its pileus two varieties are present in Agaricus bisporus: the immature or white button mushroom, intermediate brown or crimini mushroom (a brownish cap and dark brown gills) and mature or portobello mushrooms mainly grown in Europe and America (1).

Health benefits of crimini mushroom

1. Rich in nutrient

Crimini mushroom contains a high amount of nutrients such as zinc, magnesium, and iron than white and portobello mushroom. The highest amount of nutrients present in the outer part of the mushroom that is, the cap peel part which attracts consumer (3).

8. Antimicrobial

Presence of chitin and chitosan are responsible for protect against different bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus Micrococcus luteus, Micrococcus flavus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Candida albicans, and Candida tropicalis (11)

9. Anti-obesity

Again study shows that addition of crimini mushroom in place of beef not only enhance their flavor but also reduce the amount of sodium, calories, saturated fat, and cholesterol in them. Therefore substitution of mushroom in place of meat is very helpful in reducing weight and improves nutritional value because of its umami flavor (12).

The side effect of Crimini mushroom

Studies suggested that consumption of Crimini mushroom poses no toxicological risk to humans (13). But one of the drawbacks of Agaricus bisporus species is, it can bio-accumulate trace metals from the soil hence care should be taken not to cultivate them on polluted soils (14).

What is the difference between the White button and Crimini mushroom

White button mushroom healthier immediately after harvest because as the day passes detrimental effects on the quality of mushroom also seen. However, some nutrients concentration and antioxidative ability increased with crimini mushroom maturity. Therefore, crimini mushroom has a prolonged shelf life and high product quality (15).